So, we are all lame and are so busy chatting in the fantasy league we don't post on here during Football Season. But I thought I would share some details with those of you that are curious about my new position. So here is the 411.
I am still with Lakeview. But I will be working as a counselor doing group therapy at the Crisis Stabilization Unit. (CSU) My main responsibility is doing group sessions. I have done 4 patients one on one therapy sessions (basically I take them through the whole process when they are given to me as "my" patient. I sit in on the H&P (History and Physical) with the Dr. I call family for collateral info (meaning I call and ask if the story they are pedalling is true. People lie about the toughest stuff, they will kill off their mom or dad, or say they have been through horrible stuff and then you call and find out they made up the whole thing!)
I decide on what referrals to give for aftercare, and of course have counseling sessions regarding what brought them to the CSU. (Most cases it is a suicide attempt or suicidal/ homicidal thoughts. The other thing we see alot are individuals that just lost it when they got drunk or high on some kind of drugs. See, another strong case on why NOT to do drugs, you might end up in a mental facility!)
The group therapy sessions are on Stages of Recovery, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Client Satisfaction, discharge planning, Art therapy, relaxation techniques, Dual Diagnosis (Mental Health & Substance Abuse), Mental Health Education, Etc.
I am excited but it is challenging. :) I am working days. But will also try to work in a few Saturday sessions every other week while the kids are with Jeff. Those will likely be more 1 on 1 sessions since the doctors does not typically do Full H&P's on the weekends. So, I hope that answers some questions for you guys! Thank you all for your words of encouragement while I was looking, and looking, and applying, and applying. It was funny because this one just kinda fell in my lap after I had been looking so long!
